Anti-drugs official dies

The chairman of the International Olympic Committee's medical commission, Prince Alexandre de Merode, has died at the age of 68.

The Belgian, a pioneer in the fight against drugs in sport, became a member of the IOC in 1964 and headed its medical commission for the past 35 years. His countryman, the IOC President Jacques Rogge, currently visiting Cuba, paid tribute to De Merode, saying the Olympic movement had lost "an exceptional man".

"Through his charisma and his convictions, Prince de Merode was a fervent defender of Olympic values throughout his life," Rogge added "His ideas and energy helped begin an unceasing fight against doping and any activity damaging the integrity of sport."

Prince de Merode began his career as president of the Belgian Supreme Council for Physical Education, Sport and Outdoor Life. In the IOC, he was a member of the ruling executive board from 1980 to 1990, vice-president on two occasions, and since 1967 was chairman of the medical commission, which he founded.